Pizza delivery Segways banned

NO GO: Segways have been used to deliver pizza but police have reportedly ordered them off the footpaths.

A popular pizza company's Segway delivery system has been ordered off the footpaths.

Sal's Pizza said police had warned them they could be charged or face court action if they continue using Segways on city streets.

The American company, which has restaurants on Commerce St and Karangahape Rd in central Auckland and on The Strand in Takapuna, uses the electric-powered stand-on scooters to drop off pizzas.

"Last night (Saturday) we were contacted by Auckland police and told (effective immediately) to stop using Segways on city footpaths or face a fine and court hearing," the company said on its Facebook page yesterday.

"So, regrettably we will have to suspend all deliveries (with the exception of Takapuna) immediately and until further notice. As always we appreciate your very loyal support and will do our best to provide a perfect pick-up experience during this challenging time."

Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney today said he planned to clarify the matter with police.

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In February central Auckland real estate firm James Law Realty began making Segways available to staff.

The company, which specialises in apartments and commercial leases, started with two, but planned to have a fleet of six Segways available.

In 2011 Taupo police became the first station in the country to use the devices to patrol the town's streets, but the initiative was short as vehicle legislation couldn't classify them at the time.

According to Auckland Transport the vehicles are classified as motor vehicles and subject to the same conditions.

Police could not be reached for comment this morning.

Segways can be legally driven on public streets in most countries in Europe, with various restrictions.